Converge initiates anti-plastic drive, urges workers to curb use

LEADING fiber internet and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. has taken a stand against plastic pollution after launching its #BawalAngPlastik (or #NoToPlastic) campaign and urging its employees to opt for more eco-friendly materials at work to gradually eliminate plastics from its waste footprint.

This is the second phase of its Countdown to Zero Waste movement, its company-wide initiative to reach its goal of zero solid waste to landfill by 2030.

Converge chief strategy officer and chief sustainability officer Benjamin Azada said during the campaign launch that as a signatory of the UN Global Compact (UNGC), Converge was committed to ensure that its operations would not cause harm to the environment.

“If we want to respect humanity and the environment, one of the things that we really need to do is reduce the negative impact that we have on people and the planet,” Azada said.

As part of the campaign, plastic bottle bins were installed at Converge headquarters in Pasig to encourage employees to donate their plastic bottles and containers, which will be upcycled into sustainable materials through the company’s recycling partners, such as

Converge leaders and FiberXers players enjoin employees to bring their used bottles to be recycled. Shown (from left) are FiberXers basketball guard Adrian Wong, senior vice president and head of human resources Albert Custodio, VP and head of corporate communications and public relations Jay-Anne Encarnado, chief strategy officer and chief sustainability officer Benjamin Azada, VP for strategy and sustainability Bryan King Kay and FiberXers forward Kris Porter. GreenAntz Builders Inc., an accredited plastics recycling company of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The #BawalAngPlastik launch was made even more exciting as Converge FiberXers basketball forward Kris Porter and guard Adrian Wong joined for a one minute “Basketbottle” shootout with employees. Team Wong snagged the victory with 12 points during the 30-second overtime.

Converge vice president and head of corporate communications and public relations JayAnne Encarnado said the campaign was the company’s way to help in mitigating the negative impacts of plastic consumption to the environment, especially to marine biodiversity.

“It is alarming that the Philippines is now among the world’s biggest contributors to plastic pollution. And the situation is pretty dire. Studies have shown that, by 2050, there will be more plastic than fish at sea if we don’t act now,” Encarnado said.

Amplifying the message further, senior VP and head of human resources Albert Custodio encouraged employees to embody the company’s sustainability commitments even outside Converge to help create positive ripple effects within their respective communities.

“It starts with one person, one family, one community. And here at work, it starts with us, our colleagues, and teammates,” Custodio said.

Converge last year launched the Countdown to Zero Waste campaign as a response to the country’s looming solid waste crisis.

In line with the movement, zero waste bins were placed in its headquarters and business centers nationwide where employees and customers could drop their discarded waste electrical and electronic equipment, or e-waste, for proper treatment and disposal through Converge partners Jontrix Trading and Green Antz.

Converge also started upcycling its used tarpaulins into reusable items, like bags and mats, with the help of womenled social enterprise KREations PH.